Introduction
Hello, Cut or Tap readers! With the introduction of Paldea Evolved into the format, many new consistency options are available, such as Iono and Squawkabilly ex. These cards have been increasing Lugia’s consistency to be significantly higher than last format, making the deck an underrated choice for NAIC.
Last format, we saw Lugia dominate in the hands of Regan Retzloff, but there were still many consistency issues. In this new format, Lugia is going to continue its dominance since its release last November, and as you’ll see throughout my article, consistency is a key part of its dominance. But first, why does the deck feel so much more consistent now?
The Significance of Paldea Evolved
As you’ll see with both lists, I have omitted Judge entirely, and replaced them with three Iono. Besides having stronger late-game disruption options, an early-game Iono feels much better for getting double Archeops in the discard pile, rather than the measly four cards from Judge. Another key change I have found is the introduction of Squawkabilly ex into the deck. Last format, I was cutting down to one Nest Ball in favor of other cards, like Manaphy, as Nest Ball’s value felt super minimal. With the Squawkabilly, Nest Ball has great early-game value, allowing you to dig a bit extra on Turn 1, or sometimes discard that double Archeops in your hand before your opponent can disrupt it. Squawkabilly has become one of the best cards in the deck, as if you go second, you effectively get two Supporters in one turn, which feels really good and has definitely increased my odds of getting the Turn 2 double Archeops.
Besides consistency, with the many new Special Energies in Paldea Evolved, a primarily Colorless build of Lugia has become incredibly popular in online events. Cards like Jet Energy allow for added mobility for cards like Wyrdeer V to take effect, or Snorlax to get out of sleep. Beyond Jet, there is also Therapeutic Energy, which keeps the Snorlaxes awake, and prevents Paralysis, one of Lugia’s key weaknesses in the last few formats. Some other energies that allow for attackers of varying types are Reversal and Luminous Energy. These two allow for Luxray and Radiant Charizard to find their way into many lists, as they have very powerful attacks that are great for key response knockouts. All of these energies allow for a Snorlax-centric build to take shape, trying to tank through the format and force their opponents to take many knockouts, which only gets more difficult with some lists optioning to play a few Bravery Charms.
Single Strike vs Colorless
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